As the trade deadline approaches, the Vikings are getting calls about outstanding pass rusher Danielle Hunter.
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The Vikings opened the season mired in a morass surrounding outstanding pass rusher Danielle Hunter. Hunter could be in the spotlight again as the Oct. 31 trade deadline approaches.
According to insiders, teams have been phoning the Vikings about potentially dealing for Hunter, and the team’s sack leader is likely one among the top players who might be moved before the deadline. Picking up the phone and listening makes sense in Minnesota.
Hunter’s contract expires in a year, and with the team’s record at 2-4, outstanding players on expiring contracts attract interest. A playoff-ready team with an immediate need may step in.
Hunter has been the subject of trade speculations previously; in fact, numerous clubs enquired about him prior to the season before he agreed to return to Minnesota. He has reacted by leading the NFL with eight sacks.
Last year, the Bears dealt an excellent defender to the Ravens at the trade deadline. Hunter may be that this year, given the right circumstances.
He isn’t the only major star who could be moving.
Jerry Jeudy, one of the top players on a Denver team with only one win, addressed the prospect of a trade this week. Jeudy expressed anger after having a disappointing year statistically on a failing squad.
“It’s always frustrating when you lose. Nobody wants to lose, do you understand?” Jeudy explained to reporters. “Losing is the worst thing that can happen….” I know what I’m capable of and what I’m capable of doing. So, trade me or not trade me, it doesn’t matter because I’ll still be myself at the end of the day.”
The Broncos aren’t contemplating a fire sale, and until they get a deal they can’t refuse, a flurry of trades is deemed improbable. Coach Sean Payton does not appear to be interested in trading talented players, especially if they have future contributions beyond 2023. However, Jeudy was the topic of trade talks this winter, with teams phoning both before and after the season. If the frustrations and defeats continue to rise, Denver will be forced to make an interesting option.
Sources told NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo that Saquon Barkley will not be moved. The Giants have no plans to engage in any trade discussions involving their franchise back. Dealing players on expiring contracts (such as Parris Campbell) would make sense in a bad season. But it doesn’t look that Barkley is leaving.
The Panthers are likely not to move any significant future building blocks, but they do appear receptive to trading players like WR Terrace Marshall and CB Donte Jackson, and they may have traded Jeremy Chinn before he was injured.
